Male hypogonadism and civilization diseases

Summary

Age dependant decrease of testosterone levels leads in many men to hypogonadism called as late-onset hypogonadism. Morbidity and mortality of men with subnormal testosterone levels is higher than that of men sufficiently supplied with androgens. Cardiovascular diseases, obesity or diabetes take often part in these events. Low testosterone level is risk factor for these diseases. However, it is until now not clear whether testosterone deficiency is a cause or consequence of atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome. A handful of symptoms and metabolic parameters present in hypogonadal men can be ameliorated by testosterone supplementation. Testosterone has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors, but it is not clear whether it can reduce mortality.

Key words:
testosterone, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus.